VEGF-D mutants and their use
The present invention is a VEGF-D protein, containing one or more amino acid mutations at the dimer interface, and their use in therapy, particularly in the promotion of angiogenesis.
1. VEGF-D ΔNΔC (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the Cys25 residue has been replaced by another amino acid.
2. The protein according to claim 1 , wherein the another amino acid is Leu, Ile, Val, Ala, Ser, Phe, Trp or Asn.
3. The protein according to claim 2 , wherein the another amino acid is Leu, Ile or Val.
4. The protein according to claim 3 , wherein said another amino acid is Leu.
5. The VEGF-D protein according to claim 1 , which exists substantially as a dimer.
6. A method for promoting angiogenesis wherein said method comprises administering, to a subject in need of angiogenesis promotion, a modified VEGF-D protein of claim 1 .
7. The method, according to claim 6 , used to treat ischemia or coronary artery disease by mediating therapeutic angiogenesis.
8. An isolated nucleotide sequence encoding a VEGF-D ΔNΔC (SEQ ID NO: 1) protein wherein the Cys25 residue has been replaced by another amino acid.